24th March 2011

Hiya,
a continuation of last week, more bad news than good. For at least 6 days Steven has been very quiet, the laughing and joking with us and the nurses has stopped, and he seems very depressed. His speech has become slurred, which causes further agitation when we can't understand him. He seems to have lost a lot of confidence in the ability to improve. He has lost confidence in his right ankle, which affect his movement between bed and chair. He is coping very well with this movement, but the lack of improvement in his right leg/ankle is bothering him. It isn't known whether some of these problems are caused by his impatience at getting better, or whether it's his medication. He wants desperately to get better, but he can't get better quick enough. He says he want's to get better for himself, and would love to do more physio'. He is enjoying the extra food, but we have to monitor what he has. He has fed himself occasionally. He has cleaned his own teeth. He is being taught how to clean himself. He is sleeping well, but not known whether this is caused by depression, physio' activity, or genuine tiredness. We've had some awful weather here, so we can't even get out for fresh air, hope this weekend is as sunny as last weekend, he enjoyed his picnics. I hope the next update is a little better. There's no doubt even our behaviour is affected by Steven's, and we have to try desperately not to upset him.
If anyone can find the time to send a letter or card directly to Steven at the hospital, we would be grateful, this could give him the encouragement he needs. He does enjoy me reading the messages we do receive via e-mail and Facebook, but a letter or card can be put on the wall for him, as a constant reminder of who's thinking of him.
best regards
Terry